Question for experienced fosterers/adopters

[pringleaddict]

We may have an opportunity to adopt a 3 year old which is the same (herding) breed as our current DDog. It would be an international adoption so no chance for introductions at the rescue.

All the online advice is to introduce the dogs on a walk on neutral territory. However, DDog is leash reactive so I think this would go badly. He isn't aggressive and has been with other dogs offload in multiple settings (including daycare) with no problems. Would love some expert tips on how to manage this dynamic - we can separate in the house using a baby gate and have a very secure yard. I know we will need to set up separate sleeping and eating areas and to put all toys away for a while.

This is very risky indeed. Most rescues insist on at least one meeting before adopting if you have resident dogs for good reason.

If you do go ahead I’d aim for total separation for quite some time in order to keep everyone safe! I’d not formally introduce.

It isn’t something I’d advise on doing. I’ve seen it go badly wrong.

What sex is the other dog? If it’s another male and you wouldn’t be able to return him easily then I just don’t think it’s a sensible risk to take with a herding breed.

You would be mad to consider doing this

To answer some of the questions and provide more context: the other dog is male and is "returnable". He's being rehomed as he was owned by a breeder who sadly died. He is the same breed as our current dog.

I agree this is not an ideal situation but our dog loves doggy company but I think he wouldn't cope well with a puppy as he's a bit too old, although still quite active. I've looked at local rescues for a slightly older dog from different breeds but they all seem to have major issues: don't like other dogs, don't like men/strangers etc.

I appreciate the comment about maintaining separation.

No.

I’ve fostered over 20 dogs in the last ten years and there is absolutely no way I would bring a dog into my dogs home that my own dog hadn’t met at least several times previously.

I could write a dozens reasons why this is a terrible idea but, tbh, the above para is enough. This is a terrible idea.